'Worst is behind us': Thurston's jobless rate falls

posted 05:05 PM 05/22
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Thurston County’s unemployment rate fell to a six-month low last month and the local economy is close to another important benchmark, two signs that the recession might be a thing of the past.

The jobless rate here fell to 7.7 percent in April – its lowest level since October – from 8.3 percent in March, according to state Employment Security Department data released Tuesday.

But perhaps more important is that the county is getting closer to having 100,000 nonfarm jobs, a figure the county hasn’t been close to since January 2009, regional economist Jim Vleming said. Vleming said the county was just under that figure in April, but likely will be above it next month.

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Olympia Federal Savings names Reese employee of quarter

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America's Credit Union celebrates opening of Yelm branch

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State jobless rate falls to 8.1 percent; Thurston numbers come out Tuesday

posted 04:00 PM 05/16

Statewide unemployment fell to 8.1 percent in April from 8.3 percent in March, despite the loss of 300 jobs overall in the period, the state Employment Security Department announced Wednesday.